Independent Music New Zealand (IMNZ), in collaboration with Recorded Music NZ, has announced the ten finalists for this year’s Tate Music Prize 2026, celebrating the best albums in New Zealand’s independent music scene.
Among the nominees are Auckland punk outfit Dick Move, dream-pop collective Phoebe Rings, post-punk band Ringlets, and acclaimed singer-songwriters Marlon Williams and Reb Fountain. All ten albums have previously earned recognition on Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s list of the best New Zealand albums of 2025, highlighting their critical and cultural impact.
Finalists were selected from albums released during the previous year, with the winning artist set to receive a NZ$12,500 cash prize, generously sponsored by Recorded Music NZ.
Celebrating Seventeen Years of Musical Excellence
The Tate Music Prize, now in its seventeenth year, honours albums that demonstrate “depth, creative vision, and artistic integrity, while making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s cultural landscape.”
This year marks a historic milestone, as the award ceremony will take place at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) and, for the first time, will be open to the public. IMNZ General Manager Dylan Pellett commented:
“Every year, an extraordinary number of remarkable albums are created in New Zealand. Celebrating these ten finalists at an event that the whole community can attend is truly wonderful.”
In addition to the main prize, three other awards will be presented: the Auckland Live Best Independent Debut Award, the NZ On Air Outstanding Music Journalism Award, and the IMNZ Classic Record Award. Nominees for these categories will be announced prior to the ceremony.
Last year, the prestigious award went to MOKOTRON for WAEREA, which had ranked number two on the 2024 list of New Zealand’s top albums.
Tate Music Prize 2026 Finalists
| Artist / Band | Album Name | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dick Move | Dream, Believe, Achieve | 1:12 Records & Flying Nun Records |
| Geneva AM | PIKIPIKI | Independent |
| Jazmine Mary | I Want to Rock and Roll | Flying Nun Records |
| MĀ | Blame It on the Weather | Independent |
| Marlon Williams | Te Whare Tīwekaweka | Marlon Williams Music |
| Phoebe Rings | Aseurai | Carpark Records |
| Reb Fountain | How Love Bends | Fountain Records Limited |
| Ringlets | The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) | Flying Nun Records |
| Tom Scott | ANITYA | Years Gone By |
| Womb | One Is Always Heading Somewhere | Flying Nun Records |
The Tate Music Prize 2026 showcases the rich diversity and creativity of New Zealand’s independent music, offering both audiences and artists a renewed sense of inspiration and excitement for the nation’s thriving music scene.